Inspection reveals flaws in school egg distribution plan

The scheme, launched on September 25, provides eggs six days a week in all government and aided schools. |Photo credit: Archive photo

A site inspection to assess the implementation of the egg distribution scheme recently introduced in government and aided schools found major lapses. Many schools are not distributing eggs despite requests from students. Of 357 randomly selected schools across the state, 66, or about 20 percent, were found to be out of compliance. In these schools, even if students ask for eggs, they will get them chikis Or banana.

The Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) has issued notices to these schools and held accountable 98 officials, including 50 Block Education Officers (BEOs) and 48 Assistant Directors of PM-Poshan Schemes.

The egg distribution program was launched on September 25 in partnership with Azim Premji Foundation (APF) to provide eggs to all government and aided schools six days a week. The program aims to combat malnutrition, anemia and nutritional deficiencies while promoting healthy physical development. For students who don’t eat eggs, bananas, etc. chikis Offered as an alternative.

A team of APF representatives and DSEL officials visited 357 schools and submitted a detailed report to the government. The report showed that in 66 non-compliant schools, more than 30% of students requested eggs but were not provided. In some schools, this number exceeds 65%. As per policy, when eggs are unavailable, bananas should be offered as the next choice. “But in most of these schools, bananas are not distributed either. Instead, only chikis The inspection report reportedly stated.

also, chikis Distribution in these schools failed to meet the required standards. National guidelines state chikis Weight is at least 40 grams, but in most cases students receive chikis Weight less than 30 grams.

According to reports, after a review meeting, Commissioner of Public Education Dr KV Trilokchandra took a serious look at the lapses in the implementation of the scheme and held the BEO and Assistant Director of PM-Poshan scheme accountable.

“As per the rules, eggs should be given to children on priority. However, eggs were not distributed in these schools even though students requested them. Therefore, notices have been issued to principals and department officials of all such schools. After their replies, prosecution will be held against the guilty teachers and officials taking legal action. hinduism.